Meet Your Beard Nominees: Zach Bell
The James Beard Awards, the biggest awards in the food world, will be announced on Monday and three South Florida chefs are nominated in the "Best Chef, South" category: Zach Bell of Cafe Boulud, Douglas Rodriguez of Ola, and Michael Schwartz of Michael's Genuine Food & Drink. We'll be catching up with the three nominees over the next few days before the awards ceremony. Next: Zach Bell.
Congratulations on your nomination! What does the nomination mean to you?
I know you have heard this but it is sincerely a great honor just to be recognized for your team’s hard work and dedication. I am only one guy in a sea of 80 great team members at Café Boulud.
Who do you think is your biggest competition in the category?
That’s hard — it's great to be in such great company. Several are actual culinary pioneers in their genres!
If you win, how do you plan to celebrate?
Why – dig on some great charcuterie from Bar Boulud!!! Then come back and get ready for a busy Mother’s Day Brunch!
Which restaurants will you be checking out while in New York?
My wife is a pastry chef, so we are going to check out what is going on in that scene. There has been a lot of startup in the past couple of years. We do always have to satisfy our cravings for great ethnic food — Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, and of course a good slice as soon as we can.
Where are you eating out in South Florida these days?
I stay up here in West Palm mostly, and if I am not grilling out in our backyard, you can find me at Havana Hideout in Lake Worth or Rocco's Tacos in West Palm. Although — I can't wait for Michelle Bernstein to open up in the new Omphoy Resort on Palm Beach.
